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Cats In The Cradle

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Judy Collins - Cat's In The Cradle
[Intro]
D   C D    C D
[Verse 1]
                          F
My child arrived just the other day
   G                        D
He came to the world in the usual way
                                   F
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
   G                       D
He learned to walk while I was away
           C               G            Am    G
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
              F     Am      D
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
    F              Am      D
You know I'm gonna be like you"
[Chorus]
                                    C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
D
When you comin' home dad?
  C                    F           Am     D
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
    F                 Am        D      C D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Verse 2]
                           F
My son turned ten just the other day
          G                         D
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
                                    F
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
  G                           D
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
       C       G           Am          G
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
               F     Am      D
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
    F              Am      D
You know I'm gonna be like him"
[Chorus]
        D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
D
When you comin' home dad?
  C                    F           Am     D
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
    F                 Am        D       C D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Verse 3]
                                         F
Well, he came home from college just the other day
G                         D
So much like a man I just had to say
                                F
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
   G                  D
He shook his head and said with a smile
          C            G          Am             G
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
F                    D
See you later, can I have them please?"
[Chorus]
        D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
D
When you comin' home son?
  C                    F           Am     D
I don't know when, but we'll get together then
    F                 Am        D
You know we'll have a good time then
[Verse 4]
     D                      F
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
  G                      D
I called him up just the other day
                                F
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
              G                      D
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
           C           G          Am            G
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
         F         Am         D
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
          F         Am         D
It's been sure nice talking to you"
    C                G          Am        G
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
     F        Am        D
He'd grown up just like me
   F       Am        D
My boy was just like me
[Chorus]
        D                           C
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
F                       G
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
D
When you comin' home son?
  C                    F           Am     D
I don't know when, but we'll get together then
    F                 Am        D      C D
You know we'll have a good time then

Cats In The Cradle chords and lyrics

Free chords for Cats In The Cradle by Judy Collins. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Judy Collins - Cat's In The Cradle
[Intro]
D   C D    C D
[Verse 1]
[Chorus]
[Verse 2]
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
[Chorus]

Cats In The Cradle Chords by Judy Collins

Learn how to play Cats In The Cradle by Judy Collins with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Cats In The Cradle chords”, “Cats In The Cradle guitar chords”, or “Judy Collins Cats In The Cradle chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Cats In The Cradle chords and for experienced players who want accurate Cats In The Cradle lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include D, C, F, G, Am.

Frequently asked questions about Cats In The Cradle

How do I play "Cats In The Cradle" by Judy Collins on guitar?

Open the free chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Judy Collins on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Judy Collins free?

Yes. The chords for "Cats In The Cradle" by Judy Collins are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "Cats In The Cradle" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Cats In The Cradle" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "Cats In The Cradle"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "Cats In The Cradle" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "Cats In The Cradle" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "Cats In The Cradle" by Judy Collins with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Judy Collins below.

What key is "Cats In The Cradle" in?

The chords for "Cats In The Cradle" show the original chord names (including D, C, F, G, Am). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.